The 4th XI play in Division 10 West Central of the Surrey Championship structure.
The intention of our 4th XI is to blend a healthy mix of ‘seasoned veterans’ with an abundance of youth making their first steps in to adult cricket. All 4th XI home matches will be played at Imber Court.
In 2025, John Woollhead (johnwoollhead61@gmail.com, 07836 248848) will captain the 4th XI.
4th XI – Season Report – 2024 (John Woollhead)
A final league position of 4th was probably a fair reflection of the season, but it could have been so much better. A thumping loss to Epsom in game 1 was followed by 8 wins in the next 10 games putting us right in contention for the title. However, and unusually for Esher, our form fell away in the later part of the season not helped by two rained off games against bottom side Kempton and a very inconvenient heavy shower putting an end to our run chase, when well on top, against league leaders Valley End. Injuries to 5 regular members of the team was unhelpful in depriving the team of its early season backbone.
In all honesty we didn’t bat well enough. Leading run scorers were U14 Kunsh Khanna (191 @ 31.83), John Woollhead (163 @ 20.37), Sachin Patel (160 @ 53.33) and Tim Clews 160 @ 53.33). The standout innings of the season was Josh Da Val 133 against Chertsey, thereafter only 6 other scores in excess of 50 were made. I am sure collectively the regular members of the team would agree that the end of term report is ‘could do better’
The bowling stood up to scrutiny with the mainstay bowlers Tom Burnett (14 wickets @16.64), Chris Harvey (14 @ 27.64), Chris Parrish (11 @ 18.45) and U13 Joe Inch (10 @ 20.50) all bowling well and restricting opposition totals. The only 5 fer during the season was Chris Harvey 5 for 17 against Chessington. Tom Lenton’s season was cut short by injury having shown fine skills in the early games.
Given the nature of 4th XI cricket a total of 54 players were used during the season. There were notable contributions from many players and the young cricketers when they came back from school in the final third of the season. U13 Marley Gould showed fine promise with the ball in the games he played, I have no doubt we will be hearing more of him in years to come. Tom Pitts played a couple of games and bowled left arm quick before moving up the teams. Other notable contributions from Tom Chandler, Ram Koluna, Shiv Patel (before promotion to the 3rd XI) and Richie Harrison before injury curtailed his season.
The fielding was overall satisfactory with moments of magic but too much not paying attention in the latter part of the fielding sessions thus letting the opposition teams get away from us.
Wicketkeeping duties were shared between Al Mason, showing his class of old and David Crook who did a fine job in some difficult circumstances. Both took several memorable catches during the season.
4th XI player of the Season
Following promotion from the 5th XI, Under 13 Joe Inch came into the team in early June. His flighty leg spin proving to much for opposition batsmen. His 50 overs, 5 maidens 10 wickets at an average of 20.50 show a fine return. A couple of important innings (45 runs at 15) , not least 6* to guide us home against Walton proving his all-round credentials. Joe’s willingness to learn and understand the dynamics of the match were a stand out and rare amongst players of his age.
I consulted the senior players in the team on this award and I think the greatest compliment is the response I got;
‘He bowls well, bats nicely, is interested in learning about cricket and has a great attitude. He thinks about his fields and where/how he wants to get wickets and overall is a really nice lad who we thoroughly enjoy having in the team’
I have no doubt we will be hearing a lot more about Joe in the coming years.